Thunderbirds wrap up evaluation camp

The 2015-16 Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League season is inching closer and the Soo Thunderbirds continue to add in preparation.

The team held its annual evaluation camp over the weekend with 38 players participating in the three-day event which features practices on Friday leading into scrimmages on the final two days.

Thunderbirds Coach Jordan Smith was pleased with the weekend overall, calling it a success for the defending NOJHL champions.

“It’s a little bit early for a training camp but it’s nice to see everybody out there at the same time and get a gauge on certain players head-to-head,” Smith said. “I think the camp was a success altogether.”

The only roster move the Thunderbirds announced following the conclusion of camp was the signing of forward Mark Tassone following the completion of the camp on Sunday afternoon.

Tassone spent the 2014-15 season with the Soo Greyhounds minor midget team, leading the team in scoring with 39 goals and 72 points in 67 games.

“Obviously Mark is a pretty young player with a lot of upside,” Thunderbirds General Manager Jamie Henderson said in a prepared statement of Tassone. “He’s a great kid off the ice and that was a big factor in signing him.”

“It’s always exciting to see a local player with a lot of skill like that so we are excited to have him,” Henderson added.

Forward Brad Thrower and defenceman Matt Murray, who both spent last season with the Great North Midget League-champion Soo Thunderbirds club, have also signed with the team while goaltender Brandon Gordon, who spent last season with the Soo Indians AAA-midget team, has also signed.

“It’s going to be something we need to address in the next little while, whether we keep someone local on hand or go out and find someone, it’s going to be something that we’re going to have to address,” Smith said of the goaltending situation. “It’s right at the top of our list.”

Veteran goaltender Brian Kment, who has a year of junior eligibility left, decided to focus on his studies this winter while Mario Culina, who split time in goal with Kment on the Thunderbirds last season, is pursuing major junior opportunities.

Smith said earlier in the weekend the team would welcome Culina back if he were to return.

“Obviously there’s a spot for him if he wishes to return,” Smith said. “We’ll see how the next couple of weeks plays out and if he signs in major junior, all the best to him.”

The Thunderbirds open up the 2015-16 season with a home-and-home series with the Soo Eagles beginning on Sept. 11 at the Essar Centre before shifting to Pullar Stadium the following night.